Rebecca McConnell, Fiona Moss and Nicola Powell
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Holywell Hospital is a community hospital whereby a majority of patients transferred from Ysbyty Glan Clwyd arrive for the purpose of rehabilitation. At the beginning of 2021 the Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy teams got to together for a brainstorming session to identify ways we could assist and improve current delays in the provision of rehabilitation. One of the issues raised was patient awareness and lack of understanding of the reason for the admission to the community hospital so we composed a patient evaluation questionnaire to enable us to address the patient’s specific concerns.
The Project:
The aim of the project is to provide a seamless rehabilitation service for patients transferring from the acute setting to the community hospital and reduce the delay between a purposeful therapy contact by introducing ‘Rehab Champions’ onto the ward. The Rehab Champion will support the patient by adopting a 24 hour approach to their rehabilitation plan.
Project Outcomes:
- Patients discharged with lower packages of care than anticipated
- Patients discharged with reduced manual handling equipment needs
- Reduced length of stay and dependency on staff
- Increased knowledge and skills of existing HCSW’s resulting in increased confidence with rehab
Project Impact:
Although in its infancy, the anticipated impact of the project will be seen in key areas such as reduced length of stay and re-admission. A reduction in care packages and intervention from community services. It is hoped that the patient experience will improve and patients taking more ownership of their rehabilitation journey. Potentially a reduction in falls and collectively a cost saving identified in many areas. With regard to staff we would expect an increase in morale, greater job retention and enhanced future aspirations.
Press:
